As fleets across the country compete for experienced drivers, Roehl continues to lead by investing directly in the people who deliver for customers every day. The combined increases represent one of the largest driver compensation investments in Roehl’s history and will put millions of additional dollars into the pockets of Roehl drivers.

“We believe Roehl drivers should earn more,” said CEO Rick Roehl, who still maintains his CDL and hauls loads to stay close to the work and service Roehl drivers provide to customers. “Thank you, drivers, for your commitment to being on time, Driving the Roehl Way, living our values, and fulfilling our mission to deliver confidence and satisfaction to our customers,” he added.

The pay increases will be effective October 4th and apply to most company drivers in Roehl’s Refrigerated, Flatbed, Van, Curtainside, and Dedicated Divisions.

Earlier this year, Roehl increased driver pay to reward longevity and tenure, including for those drivers who chose to start and grow their careers through Roehl’s on-the-job CDL training program. The company also increased Certified Driver Trainer compensation and added retention bonuses.

“If you’re a driver who wants to earn more operating well-maintained equipment with a company that is investing in your success, come and thrive as a member of my great team,” CEO Rick Roehl added.

The company also announced a significant compensation increase for owner operators & lease operators who partner with Roehl.

Roehl Transport is built on values, like Safety, Innovation & Delivering Success. Roehl is one of North America’s safest trucking companies as recognized by the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Roehl Transport is a 5-time recipient of the ATA’s President’s Award, the trucking industry’s highest safety honor. The company provides exceptional transportation services to customers across the United States and will celebrate 65 years in business in 2027.

The company employs many experienced truck drivers and offers paid CDL training for people who want to be truck drivers with a variety of fleet and home time options such as national, regional and dedicated positions. More than half of Roehl drivers are home at least every week. The company also offers a lease purchase program for those who want to own their own trucking business.

For more information on experienced truck driving jobs, owner operator opportunities or paid on-the-job CDL training with Roehl Transport, call 715-591-7050 or visit www.roehl.jobs.

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For media inquiries, contact Tim Norlin, Roehl Transport Vice President of Driver Employment at 715-591-7266.

The post Roehl Transport Announces Second Driver Pay Increase of 2026, Pushing Top Driver Earnings Well Beyond $100,000 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

For truck drivers, the decision is straightforward. This setup can improve your weekly check, but it can also reduce the income that shows up on paper.

What this pay structure means in trucking

This approach is tied to meals and incidental expenses while a driver is away from home overnight for work. Carriers that use it classify part of a driver’s compensation as a reimbursement instead of standard wages.

It is most common for over-the-road drivers who spend multiple nights away from home and meet qualifying travel requirements.

It is not additional pay. It is a different way of structuring the same earnings.

How it works on a paycheck

When a company uses this structure, it splits a driver’s pay into two parts. One portion is treated as taxable wages. The other portion is treated as a daily allowance based on qualifying travel days.

A typical breakdown looks like this

• Total pay is calculated based on miles or salary
• A portion is designated as a daily allowance based on days away from home
• The remaining portion is reported as taxable wages

The total pay does not change. Only how it is taxed changes.

Why can take-home pay increase?

Because the allowance portion is generally excluded from taxable wages under a compliant plan, taxable income is reduced. That often results in a higher net paycheck.

For drivers who stay out regularly, the difference can add up over time.

This is why some carriers promote this structure as part of their pay package.

What drivers need to consider before choosing it

Higher take-home pay does not always mean higher long-term value. Because this setup reduces taxable wages, it can affect

• Social Security earnings records
• unemployment benefit calculations
• workers’ compensation calculations
• loan and mortgage applications that rely on reported income

Drivers planning to finance a home or rely on reported income should consider how this affects their overall income profile.

How it appears on a settlement

Most carriers show the allowance separately from taxable wages on a settlement or paycheck. The wage portion is taxed normally, while the allowance is listed as a reimbursement.

Reviewing this breakdown helps explain why net pay may look higher even though total earnings have not increased.

When it makes sense

This structure is generally more useful for drivers who

• spend multiple nights away from home
• run consistent routes
• want to increase weekly take-home pay

It may be less useful for drivers who

• need higher reported income for financing
• prefer a straightforward wage structure
• are focused on long-term earnings records

The right choice depends on financial priorities, not just paycheck size.

Common misconceptions

A common mistake is thinking this increases total pay. It does not. It only changes how pay is taxed.

Another misconception is that it benefits every driver the same way. The impact depends on how often a driver qualifies and how their pay is structured.

Understanding both points helps drivers compare job offers more accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does per diem increase total pay
No. It changes how part of the pay is taxed, not the total amount earned.

Is per diem taxable
The allowance portion is generally excluded from taxable wages when it is part of a compliant plan, and the driver meets qualifying travel requirements. The remaining wages are taxed normally.

Do all trucking companies offer this structure?
No. Some carriers offer it, some make it optional, and others do not use it.

Can drivers choose whether to use it?
Some companies allow drivers to opt in or out, while others apply it automatically.

Does it affect Social Security earnings?
Yes. Because it lowers taxable wages, it can reduce reported earnings used for Social Security.

This pay structure can improve weekly take-home pay, but it comes with tradeoffs that affect long-term financial decisions. Drivers who understand both sides can make better choices when comparing pay packages.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: April 27, 2026

The post How Per Diem Pay Works for Truck Drivers and When It Makes Sense appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.